Northern Ireland - Belfast City Hall and Belfast Botanic Gardens Elopement Photo Story Award

Botanical Gardens Wedding Couple Portrait Session at the Glasshouse as Groom has umbrella over bride in rain

Botanical Gardens Wedding Couple Portrait at the Glasshouse | Groom umbrella shield over bride while raining

Using an umbrella to shield his new bride from the afternoon drizzle, Nathan and Hélène pose for a portrait outside of the Victorian-era Palm House at Belfast Botanical Gardens.

Hélène and Nathan's elopement was intimate and beautiful. They began the day with breakfast at home, shared with their two friends who were acting as witnesses. When they were ready to go, and with the rain pouring down outside, they took separate taxis to City Hall to get married.

Now, my main concern as a couple's wedding photographer is to document their celebration as candidly and naturally as I can. I want to be there for them at any given moment, and record a pictorial narrative that will always take them back to the day. It was a shock then at Hélène and Nathan's elopement to be excluded from the ceremony at the last minute due to Covid restrictions. Only their two witnesses and the registrar were allowed to be present for their ceremony at Belfast City Hall. This news came as a shock to Hélène and Nathan as well, and there was no time to adapt. It was just a measure of how far the pandemic was reshaping everyone's wedding plans at the time.

Thankfully, once they came out, we were able to continue shooting, and we took a little time to get some portraits before they had some lunch. I loved my time shooting with Hélène and Nathan, and felt fortunate to be there with them when the rest of their family and friends were still waiting to find out that they had been married.

Belfast NI Groom at home getting ready image in BW of couple before preparations began

Belfast BW Groom at home getting ready image | At the couple home before the preparations began

Their wedding day began as if it were any other day. Nathan and his friend, who was to serve as one of the witnesses during the ceremony, sip coffee at the couple's home before the preparations began in earnest.

NI before wedding BW picture of simple breakfast meal with closest friends and witnesses

Northern Ireland pre wedding BW picture | A simple breakfast meal with their two closest friends

Sipping champagne, Hélène and Nathan enjoyed a simple breakfast meal with their two closest friends before the ceremony. It was an opportunity for them to connect with one another and share a few laughs before the excitement of the day.

Belfast bride and groom embrace at home in Pre ceremony couple hug image

The Belfast bride and groom embrace at home in this BW picture | Pre ceremony couple hugs

The bride and groom embrace before Nathan departed in a taxi for the ceremony location, the Belfast City Hall. 

NI Belfast Bridal Preparation Pic in BW of bride putting on makeup in mirror

Northern Ireland Belfast Bridal Preparation Pic in BW |  The bride is putting the finishing touches on her makeup

After Nathan left for the ceremony, Hélène put the finishing touches on her bridal look. 

Belfast City Hall Wedding Photo of rain pouring down in NI over bride near taxi

Belfast City Hall Wedding Photographer | The rain pours down in the heart of Belfast over the bride exiting her taxi

As the rain pours down in the heart of Belfast, the bride shields herself using an umbrella as well as her bridal bouquet. 

NI Belfast City Hall Wedding Photo in BW of Bride and groom take first steps as husband and wife

Northern Ireland - Belfast City Hall Wedding Photography | Bride and groom take their first steps as husband and wife

Hélène and Nathan were able to take their first steps as husband and wife in one of the most ornate and elegant buildings in Belfast. Belfast City Hall was built in the late 19th century, and its elegant design reflects the ideals of the Victorian era. 

Belfast, UK, Queens University Victorian Glasshouse Wedding portrait of newlyweds at Botanic Gardens

Belfast, United Kingdom - Queens University Victorian Glasshouse | Wedding portrait as the newlyweds took a stroll through the Botanic Gardens

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds took a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, one of the most iconic public gardens in Belfast. Upon seeing Palm House, they knew it was the perfect backdrop for their simple, sweet and romantic wedding portraits. Palm House was constructed in 1840, and has long been considered the most prominent spot in the gardens.

Pocket Cafe, Belfast Restaurant Venue Picture of bride with husband and two closest friends having Champagne

The Pocket Cafe, Belfast Wedding Reception Venue Picture | a cozy sweater over her bridal gown in order to fight off the chill

Donning a cozy sweater over her bridal gown in order to fight off the chill of the damp day, Hélène is entirely relaxed as she shares a bottle of champagne with her new husband and two closest friends at the Pocket Coffee Shop in Belfast. Found in the city centre in the Flat Iron Building, Upper Church Lane, the restaurant serves high-quality food, and great coffee in a chilled atmosphere.